Meher is currently a junior in high school and has been dancing for over fourteen years. She began her dance journey with Bollywood and hip-hop, later pursuing intensive training in classical Kathak and currently working toward her diploma degree. Along the way, Meher has developed experience in a wide range of styles, including Bhangra, Gujarati Raas and Garba, Bollywood fusion, and Bollywood hip-hop. As a dancer and choreographer, Meher is passionate about creating an inclusive and encouraging environment where students feel confident expressing themselves through movement. She hopes to bring both her technical training and love for dance to Proud To Be Me, while spreading joy and awareness. Meher believes that dance is for everyone and is excited to grow alongside her students as they discover their own love for dance.

Raina is currently a junior in high school and has been dancing for 14 years. She has been doing ballet and tap since she began dancing at the age of 3, later exploring jazz and contemporary as well. Her favorite styles of dance are tap and contemporary, though she enjoys all the styles she does. Raina works as an assistant dance teacher with toddlers and preschoolers at her dance studio, which has developed her patience for new, learning students and her love for teaching this art form to others. She can’t wait to spread her love of dance to new students and show them that there are no limits to who a dancer can be. 

Ria is currently a junior in high school and has been dancing for many years, developing experience across a variety of styles including Bollywood, classical Indian dance, and fusion choreography. Alongside her dance training, she is deeply passionate about community outreach, wellness, and building confidence and connections through movement. As the Social Media Lead for Proud To Be Me, Ria focuses on sharing the organization’s mission, sharing the bright and fun experiences that Proud to Be Me offers, and creating content that spreads positivity and inclusivity through dance. She hopes to combine her passion and love for dance, as well as her creativity to help expand the nonprofit’s impact while encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to express themselves freely through dance. Ria believes dance is one of the best tools for healing and expressing yourself in ways other than words. She is excited to be a part of the team and inspire the community with her passion for dance.

Charlotte is a junior in high school and has been a dancer since she was only three years old. Over the years she has danced the styles of ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and hiphop. She has found that ballet/pointe is her favorite style as she loves the very technical aspects and the artistry. Charlotte hopes to share this love of dance with students in Proud To Be Me. She is excited to get an opportunity to share what she has learned throughout her dance education and help others find a passion for the art. She is very passionate about creating a positive environment where everyone can learn, try new things, and have fun! 

Ria Mukherji is a junior in high school and a trained dancer. She has been dancing for 14 years, and switched around from various styles. She takes ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary. Her favorite style is hip hop but she enjoys all styles of dance. At her dance studio, she is also a teacher assistant and works with younger kids, who she loves to see grow as dancers. She hopes to have a lot of fun teaching classes and sharing the passion for dance with her students!